Day Trips on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
Motoring the Byway - day trips for everyone
So much to see and do, so little time. These five itineraries will
help make the most of your tour of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. Pickup a free Tour Map/Guide and Info flier at the Chambers of Commerce and Information Centers in Pine River, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, Brainerd. Or email for more Byway info.
Day 1 - Scenic Wonders Along the Byway
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| Big Pine Lake |
Grab your binoculars and camera for a tour of the birds and wildlife along the Byway - a day to enjoy the out-of-doors. Along CSAH 16, the "spine" of the Byway, visit Island Lake Woods, a 158-acre tract of land managed by the Department of Natural Resources. In September of 2003, a new footbridge was installed on the Veteran's Hiking Trail that takes visitors over Hay Creek to the north side of the parcel, and over a wetland to high ground for a view of the mixed forest of red and white pine, spruce, aspen and oak. Follow the Ridge Path to the Bog Walk, completed in 2005, and walk the 500' boardwalk across the bog. Rest a few minutes on the bench located about 150 feet down the Bog Walk. If you're peppy and nimble, walk the whole 500 feet to the island which was used over time by travelers from Native Americans to Zebulon Pike as a natural look-out area. Take a look yourself and find out why.
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| Why not cross-country ski through the Uppgaard Wildlife Area this winter! No tag is required. |
Then travel 8 miles east on CSAH 16 to the Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area, a 110-acre parcel that has been specially designed to attract wildlife. At 9:30 a.m. each Wednesday during the summer, visitors are treated to an interpreted tour of the area by a local naturalist. From CSAH 16 it's easy to see the floating grassy island in the center of Rush Lake just west of The Wharf - that is, if you're here during the right time of year. This island only floats for part of the year, then sinks.
If you turn south, there's great bird watching on Cross Lake, or further south on CSAH 3 at Big Pine Lake, connected to the Whitefish and Ossawinnamakee Chains through creeks and streams only. Stop at Pelican Brook, a little stream that flows out of the Ossawinnamakee Chain and into the Pine River. The brook is one of the few natural spawning areas of the popular bait minnow, the Red-tailed Chub and it was the site of the first minnow seining permit ever issued in Crow Wing County. The year was 1903. Turn west on CSAH 11 and view the Osprey nest on the platform high atop the pole. The nest is similar to a Bald Eagle's nest, with additions made each year. The Osprey feed almost entirely on fish, taking their prey at or just below the surface.
Just a half-mile further, turn into the Chiarella Forest Management Area at Timberlane Drive. This 77-acre tract is planted primarily in Norway pine; walking trails pass through the newly planted pines and through an older oak forested area. A few more steps and a meadow greets you. Stroll through and catch a glimpse of the bluebirds. Across the road is Shaffer Lake, a marshland with several floating bogs, it's a haven for wildlife. Back in the car, turn south, then west again on CSAH 11. Just west of the new Eagle View Elementary School, turn left onto Nickel Road and stop at the Lowell Wildlife Management Area at Rice Lake, one of the few remaining natural wildlife lakes in the area. It's home to a variety of fur bearers, waterfowl, and reptiles. The lake provides aquatic habitat for small fish species and is often abundant with wild rice.
Still full of energy? Drive the northern segment of the Byway, around the north side of the Whitefish Chain where there's wildlife watching at Ox and Loon lakes on CSAH 66, and some of the best bird watching spots along the meadowland on CSAH 1. East of CSAH 15 about 1/2 mile on the Driftwood Road is the DNR stripping station. During the early spring walleyes are intercepted here and stripped of eggs as they enter the Pine River to spawn.
Day 2 - Pioneers on the Byway
Today we'll take in the history and culture of the Scenic Byway - a trip to yesteryear and a look at the cultural roots of the lakes area. Start at the DNR Fire Tower just east of Pequot Lakes on CSAH 11. The fire tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Lookouts and is one of the few remaining actively used fire towers in Minnesota. Climb to the top for a terrific view of lakes and woods. Near the tower base are foundations of a home in which the forester and his family once lived. Next on to Breezy Point Resort, once owned by Captain Billy Fawcett of Whiz Bang comic fame. The resort has hosted such famous Hollywood celebrities as Clark Gable and Carol Lombard. Tour the Fawcett House and meander through Fawcett's Cottage Hill, a special district with small cabins built more than 50 years ago.
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Crosslake Historical Society
Museum and Historic Village |
The Crosslake Historical Society Museum and Historic Village at the intersection of CSAH 66 and 3 in the heart of Crosslake, showcases the lakes area's first residents. The restored buildings include the Ideal Schoolhouse, erected in 1897, the first Crosslake Town Hall, built in 1923, and several log homesteads.
Along CSAH 1 you can see the Old Grade Road, a former railroad track used to move logs during the late 1800s. A parking area allows visitors to stop and walk the hiking trails. Along this route is a former one-room schoolhouses that now serves as township headquarters - Timothy township hall, which still lacks indoor plumbing.
A trip along CSAH 16 is a tour of the remaining family resorts that once dotted the Whitefish Chain. All have histories dating to the early 1900s. Boyd Lodge was owned by the same family since its beginning in 1934 until 2008. Beacon Shores Resort was once a religious camp; Black Pine Beach Resort was financed by a Nebraska banker in 1938. Hay Lake Lodge, now a townhouse complex, was first operated as a farm and a resort when it started in 1911. Hear the story of the 100 year old bell that tops the central building at this site.
Day 3 - Exploring the Small Town Shopping
Today is shopping day, exploring the small town boutiques and specialty stores in Pequot Lakes, Pine River and Crosslake. Start your shopping along CSAH 11 (Main Street) in Pequot Lakes boasting retail shopping "squares" and individual shops. Stop at the Silver Creek Traders for fine jewelry and gifts. Check out Cycle, Path and Paddle for a unique array of silent sports recreational equipment sales and rentals. At the North Lakes Center you'll find outstanding shoes at Expressions. Down the road at Just Your Style in the lower level of the Pequot Professional Building enjoy a wonderful array of personal indulgences including beautiful pedicures and renowned therapeutic massage. At Sarandippity Square you'll find Wildwood Gifts and the Lime Greenery, catering to your floral and gift needs. Across the street is Leslie's and Leslie's Cabana, well known in the lakes area for its women's clothing and accessories.On the west side of town, don't miss a stop at Weise Craft and Variety where time melts away as you poke into nooks and crannies, one more interesting than the next.
Onward north through Jenkins on the way to Pine River. Little antique and bric-a-brac shops in Jenkins may catch your eye. Pine River bills itself as 'still a real town' and it lives up to that phrase! Downtown's main street, Barclay Avenue, is 5 blocks of glimpses of yesteryear with shops featuring indented sidewalk entrances, old-fashioned customer service and touches from past generations in display styles and store marquis. Don't miss wandering around in the basement toy department at Gardiner's Hardware or grabbing a Paul Bunyan cookie at the Pine River Bakery!
Next it's on to Crosslake where you can stop at the new Town Square and pick up a perfect gift or get your treasured photo or art piece framed at Lakes Area Gallery and Frame Shoppe. Step next door for a piece of chocolate with a taste so good and big, the store was named after Paul Bunyan's blue ox...the Chocolate Ox. Visit Judy's House of Gifts for fine collectibles, then on your way north out of town on County Rd. 66, stop at the Bait Box. The building stars in a tall tale, known in that story as Paul Bunyan's tackle box that he wearied of carrying and just plopped it down in the spot it now occupies on the channel. Besides lively bait, a vast array of tackle and pontoon rentals, also shop for extraordinary oil paintings and prints created by the owner, or request a customized painting for your home or as a very special gift.
Day 4 - A Great Day for Fun
It's a great day to take in the variety of recreational opportunities along the Byway. Grab your golf clubs, fishing tackle, and swimsuit for the day exploring the Byway's recreational resources.
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| Whitefish Golf Club |
Start the day with golf - before the heat of the day. Enjoy challenging golf at Deacons Lodge or at one of the Breezy Point Resort courses. Challenge yourself at the four and a half star Whitefish Golf Club located on CSAH 16. You might want to practice your putting skills by playing miniature golf at Wildwedge Mini-Golf near AmericInn at the intersection of #16 and Hwy. 371. Want to get out on the lakes? Stop at Bait Box Marina or Lake Bertha Marina for several options of watercraft rentals, then take off for fishing, swimming, or just enjoying the Whitefish Chain. There are plenty of public access points along the Byway; at Bertha Lake, Clamshell Lake, Cross Lake, Big Pine Lake, and Pelican Lake. If beaches and swimming are your cup of tea, spend the day at the Crosslake Corps of Engineers Recreation Area on Cross Lake or at the public beach in Pine River. Enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, golfing, or just basking in the sun along the Byway.
Family Resorts
Once there were hundreds of family-owned resorts around the many area lakes. Those that have survived remain busy and active. All have colorful histories dating back to the early 1900s. Hay Lake Lodge, opened in 1911 as ViLu Resort and now a private townhouse complex, features a 100-year old bell atop its current central building. Clamshell Beach Resort, built in the 1930's was owned by famous Whitefish area fishing guides George and Rollie Johnson from 1941-1965. Boyd Lodge, owned by the same family since its beginnings in 1934 until 2008, once raised mink for extra income. Black Pine Beach Resort, developed in 1939, was financed by a Nebraska banker who, it's said, pounded a few nails himself in constructing the first cabins. Beacon Shores Resort was once a religious camp; the owners' home was previously the chapel.
Pine Terrace Resort located on quiet Star Lake, was begun in the 1930's. It's a favorite spot for wildlife. Manhattan Beach Lodge was built in 1929 and was once a destination for the famous and infamous with ties to the gangster set of the 1930's and Hollywood's elite of later generations. Actor brothers James Arness and Peter Graves spent summer holidays at Oscawana Resort, built in 1926 and now known as Birch Hill Inne Bed and Breakfast. Stop at Driftwood Resort just two miles off the Byway, has long been known for the Norwegian traditions it still espouses today. Heath's Resort, begun by Lee Heath, is now operted by the third generation of Heaths, still specializing in year round fishing.
Breezy Point Resort
Once owned by Captain Billy Fawcett of Whiz-Bang Comics fame, this resort also hosted the famous and infamous throughout its colorful history. Among the famous celebrities were Clark Gable and Carol Lombard who stayed at the Fawcett House (still located on the resort grounds). Captain Fawcett's ghost is still reported to inhabit the resort. The impressive stone entrance gate was built by a man from the small nearby town of Pillager between 1925 and 1930.
DAY 5 - Pine River, Unique Present and Past
This six- mile segment of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway was added to the byway system in 2002. It begins and/or ends at the junction of CSAH 1 and CSAH 15 and travels to the community of Pine River.
The Pine River waterway begins its journey to the Mississippi approximately twenty miles northwest of Pine River. Over the centuries, Native Americans and explorers, looking for the source of the Mississippi, have plied its waters. Modern day explorers paddle their canoes along the State designated canoe route. During the logging era of the mid-to late 1800s, thousands of board feet of timber were floated down the Pine to waiting lumber mills to the south. The Pine River area was once described as "having the richest stand of timber in the Old Northwest". The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway crosses the "Pine" in the City of Pine River. You can still launch a canoe where explorers and lumber barons once made camp.
George Angus Barclay, the founder, established Pine River in 1873, building Barclay's Trading Post, which rested on the shores of the Pine River. He bought, sold and traded goods with trappers, homesteaders, Indians and others who came to this part of Minnesota. Eventually, Barclay built a large hotel in Pine River. It was in that hotel that he met his end when someone shot and killed him as he sat at a table inside. The murderer was never found and the case remains open today. The hotel has since burned to the ground.
Many interesting and unique stores line the streets in Pine River today! Visit gift shops and florists. You'll find unique gift and antique shops, quilt shops, a health food store and plenty of businesses to take care of your every need. Take your pick of small town cafes and eateries such as the Pine River Bakery, a true bakery featuring fresh baked goods daily or try the new Pine River Pantry for that special coffee or a delicious home-made soup. For all you fixer-upper folks that like to shop there's Gardiner's Hardware & Furniture - "So much more than an old-fashioned hardware store." Pine River has always prided itself on being a year round, full service community where you can purchase anything from a can of peas to a new car and you'll find fun and excitement are part of the retail picture in Pine River all year long.
The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway begins in Pine River at the Pine River Information Center, a State of Minnesota Affiliate Information Center. Stop by this log building for a look at many historic displays all kinds of area and regional information. The info center is located at the intersection of Highway 371 and Barclay Avenue in Pine River.
Pine River on summer Fridays is the place to be for the famous Pine River Duck Races, held at 12:45 p.m. at the Pine River Dam. Rent a duck (no live ducks here!) for a dollar and race it down the Pine River for a number of fun prizes. And, you’re invited to attend one of the free Pine River fishing seminars held each Tuesday from mid-June through mid-August at 10 A.M. above the Pine River Dam. Learn from professional guides how to catch the “big ones”.
Traveling east out of Pine River on CSAH 1 watch for a huge boulder field on both sides of the highway. Some say these are Paul Bunyan's marbles. Others know that they were left by one of many glaciers that passed through this part of Minnesota eons ago.
At CSAH 15, choose that leg of the route or continue on #1 east to Crosslake, Breezy Point, Ideal Corners and Pequot Lakes. No matter which direction you choose, you'll find surprises around every bend and lots of fun stops along the way.
We hope your visit to the many points of interest along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway has been packed with enjoyment. Come back often to find out more about the ever-unfolding Byway story.
Turn time in the car into time honored legends...Drive the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway!
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